About

Kickstart the North Memphis Farmers Collective

$11,245

pledged of $10,000 goal

188

backers

The City of Memphis faces many challenges. Among them are blighted vacant lots, food deserts, health challenges, and unemployment. North Memphis Farmer's Collective seeks to take these challenges and turn them into solutions by using what others see as waste as the fertilizer for vacant lots, thereby turning decay and blight into blossoming Urban Farms.

Blight & Decay in N. Memphis

Blighted Vacant Lot in N. Memphis

Ronin Leo Organics Urban Farm, N. Memphis

As we expand, we need the use of a tractor, chainsaw, wood chipper, other heavy equipment and garden tools to scale our operation and offer more naturally grown healthy local produce. Currently our Collective grows fruits and vegetables by hand on over four acres of vacant property.

We've transformed our neighborhood by sharing our love of growing, the resources we bring together, and the knowledge we've built over years of effort! Help us turn this business into a working model that can spread throughout the city! Join the efforts nationally and globally in rethinking how we see agriculture and urban spaces!

Risks and challenges

Our greatest challenge would be in changing perceptions on the uses of vacant lots in an urban environment. Government enforcement, in the form of Code Enforcement, have a difficult time knowing when the grass is delinquently tall versus a tomato plant that is thriving in the sun. Our project already enjoys the support of our neighbors in the community and like minded people in GrowMemphis (http://growmemphis.org/) and Project Green Fork (http://projectgreenfork.org/), but it would take a city wide effort to change laws to allow us to work unhindered. We also are trying to change how the average Memphian views vacant lots. Instead of viewing them an eyesore and blight, we are trying to encourage others to take up Urban Farming as a business venture.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Receive a lovely gift set of two nourishing handmade glycerin soaps and an "I SUPPORT THE NORTH MEMPHIS FARMERS COLLECTIVE!" bumper sticker.

SmartMule soaps are handmade using the hot process. The combination of our moisturizing ingredients gently cleans, nourishes and feeds your skin by absorbing water from the atmosphere. The glycerin based formula results in a soft gel like texture that attracts water to the soap’s surface. Don’t worry this is normal and especially beneficial for dry skin and kinky/curly hair types. Our soap is oil free and won’t clog pores. Customers report clearer, healthier skin and hair over time.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Get the NMFC Kitchen Kit. A package including two jars of pickles, 1Ib of local raw honey, 2 bars of the best soap you'll ever use, a handmade apron, a packet of seeds and an I SUPPORT THE NORTH MEMPHIS FARMERS COLLECTIVE" bumper sticker!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

As a thank you for your generosity, you will receive a weekly CSA share equivalent to at least 10Ibs of fresh local produce through the end of October! Naturally grown fruits and vegetables, honey, soap and other quality items! Also receive an "I SUPPORT THE NORTH MEMPHIS FARMERS COLLECTIVE" bumper sticker!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

To show our gratitude for your support, our farmers will dedicate a garden bed to you or someone of your choosing! You will forever be part of the North Memphis Farmers Collective! Also, receive an "I SUPPORT THE NORTH MEMPHIS FARMERS COLLECTIVE" bumper sticker!